L'Idiot du Village

Rue Notre-Seigneur 19, Brussels, 1000

Price guide: Expensive

Budget = under £15; Mid-range = £15 - £40; Expensive = over £40.

These price guides are approximate indications of what you might pay per person for a typical meal, which could be a three-course dinner in a proper restaurant, or a sandwich in a café. Drinks are not included in the calculation.

Best for Romance - Expert review of L'Idiot du Village

Last updated 21 April 2011

Delectable French food served in a romantic setting.

Established over 15 years ago by host Olivier le Bret and chef Alain Gascoin, this secluded, shabby chic restaurant shelters in the shadow of the Palais du Justice and has entertained celebrities, government ministers, and even the Belgian king and queen, who come for the inventive menus.

Food and drink:

Choose from handwritten menus offering the likes of warm foie gras in vanilla and milk veal sauce, and iced meringue with caramel and salt. All served on elegant white-and-blue motif porcelain plates.

Ambience:

Enter through the thick velvet curtain and you’re immediately struck by the intimacy of the place — there’s only space for 35 people — and the low lights make it very romantic. Old wooden desks serve as tables and there’s lots of exposed brick walls and funky chandeliers. During the day it’s popular with businessmen; come nightfall it’s mainly romantic couples.

Service:

Olivier and staff were very welcoming and helpful.

Location:

In the Marolles district, just south of Place de la Chapelle.

Price advice:

Mains around 20 euros; the 2-course lunch is good value at 16 euros.

More information on L'Idiot du Village:

These price guides are approximate indications of what you might pay per person for a typical meal, which could be a three-course dinner in a proper restaurant, or a sandwich in a café. Drinks are not included in the calculation.